Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections: Surveillance, Diagnostics, and Global Health Impacts

A special issue of Infectious Disease Reports (ISSN 2036-7449).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1186

Special Issue Editors


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1. Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
2. Instituto Rene Rachou Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30.190-009, Brazil
Interests: phylogenetic; phylodynamic; molecular evolution; genomic surveillance; WGS; emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens
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Guest Editor
Unit of Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; statistics; public health; artificial intelligence; predictive modeling; infectious diseases; data analysis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) continue to challenge global health, influenced by factors such as globalization, environmental change, and the adaptation of pathogens. These diseases include both recent infections with epidemic potential and those reappearing in areas where they were previously under control. While many EIDs originate from zoonotic sources, they have demonstrated capacity for rapid spread, threatening both human and animal health globally.

Our Special Issue on “Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections: Surveillance, Diagnostics, and Global Health Impacts” invites submissions that advance our understanding of the epidemiology, diagnostics, clinical impact, and evolutionary dynamics of these pathogens. We also welcome research on innovative surveillance strategies, molecular diagnostics, and emerging treatment approaches that can support more effective prevention and control measures, especially in resource-limited settings.

Researchers are invited to submit original articles, reviews, and short communications addressing these topics. By expanding the scope of this edition, we aim to gather research that supports a proactive approach to managing infectious disease threats through enhanced global monitoring, rapid diagnostics, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Massimo Ciccozzi
Dr. Marta Giovanetti
Dr. Francesco Branda
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • surveillance systems
  • molecular diagnostics
  • global health
  • pathogen evolution
  • pandemic preparedness
  • emerging infectious diseases
  • zoonotic transmission

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1738 KiB  
Article
Epidemiology and Genetic Characterization of Distinct Ebola Sudan Outbreaks in Uganda
by Francesco Branda, Massimo Ciccozzi and Fabio Scarpa
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030044 (registering DOI) - 1 May 2025
Abstract
Background. Sudan virus (SUDV) has caused multiple outbreaks in Uganda over the past two decades, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2025 highlight the ongoing threat posed by SUDV and the challenges in its containment. This [...] Read more.
Background. Sudan virus (SUDV) has caused multiple outbreaks in Uganda over the past two decades, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2025 highlight the ongoing threat posed by SUDV and the challenges in its containment. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological patterns and phylogenomic evolution of SUDV outbreaks in Uganda, identifying key factors influencing transmission and disease severity. Methods. We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing epidemiological and genomic data from SUDV outbreaks in Uganda between 2000 and 2025. Epidemiological data were collected from official sources, including the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, supplemented with reports from public health organizations. Genomic sequences of SUDV were analyzed to investigate viral evolution and identify genetic variations associated with pathogenicity and transmissibility. Results. The 2022 outbreak involved 164 confirmed cases and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 33.5%, with significant geographic variation in case distribution. The 2025 outbreak, still ongoing, was first detected in Kampala, with evidence of both nosocomial and community transmission. Phylogenomic analysis revealed the presence of two main genetic groups, representing Sudan and Uganda, respectively. The genetic variability of the Ugandan cluster is higher than that observed in Sudan, suggesting a greater expansion potential, which aligns with the current outbreak. Epidemiological findings indicate that human mobility, weaknesses in the health system, and delays in detection contribute to the amplification of the outbreak. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the importance of integrated genomic and epidemiological surveillance in understanding SUDV transmission dynamics. The recurrent emergence of SUDV highlights the need for improved outbreak preparedness, rapid response mechanisms, and international collaboration. Strengthening real-time surveillance and enhancing healthcare system resilience are critical to mitigating the impact of future outbreaks. Full article
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15 pages, 2735 KiB  
Article
Etiological Insights and the Role of Individual Factors in Infectious Spondylodiscitis
by Diana Elena Vulpe, Dana-Georgiana Nedelea, Serban Dragosloveanu, Oana Sandulescu and Cristian Scheau
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17010006 - 10 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Objectives: Spondylodiscitis can be caused by various microorganisms and has shown a continuous rise in incidence and mortality. The purpose of our study was to analyze the demographic and laboratory data, as well as comorbidities of patients that were surgically treated for spondylodiscitis [...] Read more.
Objectives: Spondylodiscitis can be caused by various microorganisms and has shown a continuous rise in incidence and mortality. The purpose of our study was to analyze the demographic and laboratory data, as well as comorbidities of patients that were surgically treated for spondylodiscitis in our hospital. The causative pathogens involved in the etiology of spinal infections were also assessed. Methods: The study included 92 patients who underwent clinical, radiological, and microbiological analyses including bacterial isolation. According to their culture results, patients were divided into three groups: negative results (n = 29), positive results with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb.) (n = 26), and positive results with other pathological agents (n = 37). Results: Patients with M. tb. had a significantly lower body mass index (p = 0.022) and were significantly younger (p = 0.024) than the others. The analysis of the complete blood work showed significant differences between the groups regarding fibrinogen levels (p = 0.023), C-reactive protein (p = 0.009), and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (p = 0.042). Results also showed significant differences (p = 0.023) for patients with diabetes mellitus who were more prone to a tuberculosis etiology for their spondylodiscitis compared with patients without the disease. Conclusions: These findings have important implications for adopting individualized treatment strategies underlining the need for identification of patients at high risk for specific causative pathogens. Full article
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